The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about what a social worker said in court. This is because the complaint does not meet the tests in our Assessment Code on how we decide which complaints to investigate. The matters complained cannot be separated from court proceedings.
The complaint
Miss X said a social worker lied in court and is disrespecting her autism. She said the social worker filed for a separation order based on lies about Miss X and her baby. She wanted the Council to drop the case.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We cannot investigate a complaint about the start of court action or what happened in court. (Local Government Act 1974, Schedule 5/5A, paragraph 1/3, as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
Final decision
We cannot investigate Miss X’s complaint because the matters complained of cannot be separated from court proceedings.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman